Overview
On completion of this unit, you will be able to evaluate the evidence base for biochemical tests used in the diagnosis and management of diseases in the major organ systems of the body. Problem solving and decision making skills will be developed through use of authentic case studies. Skill development in instrument calibration, best practice measurement, interpretation of test results and test quality control monitoring will occur through practical exercises. You will be required to attend a residential school at the biochemistry laboratory on the Rockhampton campus.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
Pre-requisites: BMSC12010 Clinical Biochemistry and (BUSN11016 Introduction to Study and Professional Practice or BMSC11003 Introduction to Medical Sciences).
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2021
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Residential Schools
This unit has a Compulsory Residential School for distance mode students and the details are:
Click here to see your Residential School Timetable.
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Self reflection and peer review.
Some lecture material could be updated with guest lecturers invited to present on specialised subjects.
Lecture material to be revised and updated with lectures provided by specialist industry experts. The weighting of the practical assessment was not proportionate to the other assessment tasks resulting in skewed grades for the unit.
Feedback from Student feedback
Students enjoyed the specialist lectures by expert lecturers.
Continue to engage experts to deliver lectures.
Feedback from Student feedback
Students appreciated the tutorials and study questions that complemented the lectures.
Continue to provide live tutorials to discuss the weekly study questions to support the lectures from experts.
Feedback from Student feedback
Students felt that the weekly content in particular weeks was excessive.
The weekly content to be revised to provide consistency across the unit.
Feedback from Student feedback
Students appreciated the support from the academic team in challenging times.
Continue to support students as required.
- Explain the various processes involved in biochemical method evaluation, interpretation and development
- Explore the limitations of laboratory procedures, regulatory aspects including external quality assurance and accreditation bodies
- Describe the rationale and clinical correlation of specialised biochemical tests used in the detection and monitoring of processes affecting the major organ systems
- Demonstrate skills in the use of biochemical instrumentation, including specimen handling and test processing in automated systems and institution of appropriate corrective action as required in response to errors in automated instrumentation function
- Evaluate biochemical clinical cases to derive a provisional diagnosis.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Case Study - 20% | |||||
| 2 - Laboratory/Practical - 0% | |||||
| 3 - Practical Assessment - 30% | |||||
| 4 - Online Test - 50% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Communication | |||||
| 2 - Problem Solving | |||||
| 3 - Critical Thinking | |||||
| 4 - Information Literacy | |||||
| 5 - Team Work | |||||
| 6 - Information Technology Competence | |||||
| 7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||||
| 8 - Ethical practice | |||||
| 9 - Social Innovation | |||||
| 10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
| 1 - Case Study - 20% | ||||||||||
| 2 - Laboratory/Practical - 0% | ||||||||||
| 3 - Practical Assessment - 30% | ||||||||||
| 4 - Online Test - 50% | ||||||||||
Textbooks
Clinical Chemistry : Principles , Techniques , and Correlations
Edition: 8th edn (2017)
Authors: Bishop, Fody & Schoef
Jones & Bartlett Learning (now Cengage Learning)
Sudbury Sudbury , MA , USA
ISBN: 9781496335586
Binding: Paperback
Additional Textbook Information
Copies can be purchased at the CQUni Bookshop here: http://bookshop.cqu.edu.au
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing styles below:
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
w.pederick@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
1. Introduction, Quality Control and External Quality Assessment
2. Analytical process, data interpretation and method evaluation
Chapter
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations: 1 - 4
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations: 3 & 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial - Introduction
Module/Topic
1. Analytical techniques
2. Automation and POCT
Chapter
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations: 5, 6, 8 & 9
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations: 7 & 10
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial -- covering Week 1
Module/Topic
Renal Function, electrolytes and fluid balance
Chapter
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations: 12, 16 & 27
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial -- covering Week 2
Module/Topic
Hepatic, pancreatic and GUT biochemistry, malabsorption etc.
Chapter
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations: 25 & 28
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial -- covering Week 3
Module/Topic
1.Cardio-respiratory system – cardiac damage, pH and blood gases
2. Endocrine system – thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal and pituitary; calcium metabolism
Chapter
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations: 17 & 26
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations: 20 - 24
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial -- covering Week 4 and discussion around Assessment #1 submission
Module/Topic
No lecture
Chapter
N/A
Events and Submissions/Topic
No Tutorial
Module/Topic
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Toxicology
Chapter
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations: 30 & 31
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial -- covering Week 5
Case Study Report Due: Week 6 Friday (23 Apr 2021) 11:59 pm AEST
Module/Topic
1. Nutritional assessment – vitamins, minerals & trace metals
2. Extremes of age – neonatal, paediatric and geriatric biochemistry
Chapter
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations: 18 & 33
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations: 34 & 35
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial -- covering Week 6
Module/Topic
1. Reproductive hormones
2. Carbohydrates & Lipids
Chapter
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations: 20 & 22
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations: 14 & 15
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial -- covering Week 7
Module/Topic
1. Tumour markers
2.Body fluids other than blood – urine, CSF etc.
Chapter
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations: 32
Clinical Chemistry, Principles, Techniques and Correlations: 29
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial -- covering Week 8
Module/Topic
Residential School - 21st - 23rd
Chapter
Laboratory Workbook
Events and Submissions/Topic
A tutorial will be run in the Residential School in addition to an open Q&A session.
Module/Topic
Revision Lectures or presentation of ‘classic diseases’
Chapter
N/A
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial -- covering Week 9 and discussion around Assessment #2 submission.
Practical Assessment Due: Week 11 Monday (24 May 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Exam Preparation
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Zoom tutorial -- Revision & Exam Preparation
Laboratory Workbook Due: Week 12 Monday (31 May 2021) 11:59 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
The Unit Coordinator for this Unit is Wayne Pederick who can be contacted by e-mail (w.pederick@cqu.edu.au) or via the Moodle forums.
Lectures will all be pre-recorded in smaller 'modules' and will be posted on the Moodle page.
There are weekly Tutorials that will be linked to Zoom and will also be recorded and posted to the Moodle page.
1 Case Study
You will be provided with a clinical case study on the Moodle site.
You will be provided with information regarding the clinical presentation, patient history and specific biochemical parameters (provided by an automated analyser) for this clinical case study. You are required to write a report (around 1,000 words) using a case study approach describing the pathophysiology, specific biochemical profile characteristics observed that led to the diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment options and any recommended further tests. Further details on the case, a template and an exemplar will be provided to you on the Moodle site to assist in preparation.
Week 6 Friday (23 Apr 2021) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 8 Friday (7 May 2021)
The assessment task is marked according to how well you have met the specific requirements and in accordance with the criteria outlined below:
Presentation: The report is presented in the provided template with clarity of purpose and coherence of expression (spelling, grammar, syntax) in a clear and organised manner.
Abstract: Provides a clear overview and overall summary of the case study.
Introduction: Provides necessary background information and pathophysiology of the case. Does not discuss the final diagnosis rather supports the intended diagnosis via arguments.
Materials and Methods: Briefly describes all the methods used to aid in diagnosis. Discusses further tests to be employed in order to confirm the diagnosis.
Results: All data presented clearly with reference ranges. Layout is clear with further tests and expected results discussed.
Discussion: Clear discussion of the results with supporting arguments and reasoning for arriving at the final diagnosis.
References: Correct referencing system used with appropriate in-text references
- Describe the rationale and clinical correlation of specialised biochemical tests used in the detection and monitoring of processes affecting the major organ systems
- Evaluate biochemical clinical cases to derive a provisional diagnosis.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
- Ethical practice
2 Laboratory/Practical
You will be provided with a laboratory workbook on the Moodle site. This workbook will contain all the tasks that need to be completed during the residential school block. It will also contain a series of short questions and patient reports to be completed in relation to the authentic cases provided. Group experimental activities during the residential school will foster team work and provide hands-on experience of the biochemical techniques used in pathology laboratories. Completion of the workbook will evidence student engagement and understanding of the principles behind the Biochemical tests. Laboratory staff or demonstrators will assess your individual experimental capability during residential school to ensure your understanding of the learning outcomes.
Week 12 Monday (31 May 2021) 11:59 pm AEST
A scanned version of the laboratory workbook will be submitted on the Moodle page following the Residential School
Exam Week Monday (14 June 2021)
Results of Practical Assessment will be posted on the Moodle page.
Residential school Workbook component:
Each section will have respective assigned marks as indicated on the provided workbook.
The Workbook is a PASS/FAIL Assessment.
The laboratory staff will provide immediate verbal feedback to you on the practical hands-on aspect of this assessment item.
The laboratory workbook template will contain the weighting of marks associated with the tasks and subsequent questions/reports to be completed
- Demonstrate skills in the use of biochemical instrumentation, including specimen handling and test processing in automated systems and institution of appropriate corrective action as required in response to errors in automated instrumentation function
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Ethical practice
3 Practical Assessment
On Day 3 of your residential school block you will have a final practical assessment.
Further details regarding the practical assessment will be available on the Moodle page.
Week 11 Monday (24 May 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
The Practical Assessment will be conducted in class on the last day of the Residential School
Exam Week Monday (14 June 2021)
Results of the Practical Assessment will be posted on the Moodle page
Practical assessment component: The practical assessment conducted on Day 3 of the Residential School is worth 30% of your final grade.
Further information on the practical assessment will be available on the Moodle page.
- Explore the limitations of laboratory procedures, regulatory aspects including external quality assurance and accreditation bodies
- Evaluate biochemical clinical cases to derive a provisional diagnosis.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Ethical practice
4 Online Test
No Assessment Task Description
Exam Week Monday (14 June 2021) 11:45 pm AEST
The specific day and time for the test will be advised
Exam Week Monday (14 June 2021)
Results will be posted to Moodle
Students must receive at least 50% of the final online test mark to pass subject
- Explain the various processes involved in biochemical method evaluation, interpretation and development
- Explore the limitations of laboratory procedures, regulatory aspects including external quality assurance and accreditation bodies
- Describe the rationale and clinical correlation of specialised biochemical tests used in the detection and monitoring of processes affecting the major organ systems
- Evaluate biochemical clinical cases to derive a provisional diagnosis.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
- Ethical practice
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
